The Ultimate Guide to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos
Visiting Puerto Ayora or the rest of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos? Here are the best places to stay, things to do, and where to eat!
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Ecuador may be small in size but it is anything but boring. Named for the Equator, which runs through the country, the small Andean nation packs quite the punch.
There’s a reason that it served as inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution, after all. And although it is primarily known for the Galapagos Islands, the country is full of biodiversity, beautiful architecture, lush greenery, markets galore, and volcanoes almost everywhere you look.
Ecuador might be on the smaller side, but it still has a wide range of landscapes and climates. Overall, the country really only has two different seasons, a wet season and a dry season. Crowds don’t necessarily follow these seasons either.
January through May is the coolest and wettest part of the year, and you can expect bigger crowds in the Galapagos in January as it coincides with school break and the ocean conditions are ideal.
June through September are the driest and warmest months of the year. Because of this, the tourist demand rises, bringing the prices up.
Keep in mind that Ecuador hosts a lot of festivals, and during those times, hotels and tours book up quickly! Research the dates for Day of the Dead, the Foundation of Quito Festival, the Corpus Christi festival, and other national holidays before your trip.
Language: The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, with 93% of its population speaking it.
Currency: The currency of Ecuador is the United States dollar (USD).
Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are widely accepted in Ecuador. You can use them in hotels, shops, and restaurants. ATMs are located throughout the country if you find yourself needing a little extra cash. When using an ATM in Ecuador, you’ll want to be aware when alone and at night.
Plugs: In Ecuador, the standard plugs are type A and B, the standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Safety: Unfortunately, Ecuador has its fair share of crime, and visitors should exercise caution when visiting. Quito is known to have its share of petty theft and pick-pocketing. And plagued by drug and human trafficking issues and high theft rates, there are parts of Ecuador that you should not visit. However, knowing common-sense practices and being on alert will keep you safe and allow you to enjoy all that Ecuador has to offer.
Visiting Puerto Ayora or the rest of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos? Here are the best places to stay, things to do, and where to eat!
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